Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Purpose officially opened its Broadway premiere run at the Helen Hayes Theater March 17 after beginning previews February 25, and it was a starry affair. The show is directed by Tony winner Phylicia Rashad, making her Broadway directorial debut. The run will continue through July 6.
On the red carpet, some of entertainment's best and brightest came out to celebrate, including Queen Latifah, Lucy Liu, Lynn Nottage, Corey Hawkins, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Spike Lee, Wendell Pierce, and more. Check out photos from the opening night red carpet below. Plus, read what critics had to say here.
Purpose follows an Illinois family of civil rights leaders, pastors, and congressmen—pillars of Black American politics—with secrets lying just beneath the surface. The youngest son Nazareth returns home with an uninvited friend that ultimately forces the family to reckon with itself, their faith, and the legacies of Black radicalism.
The Broadway bow is a transfer of a production that began at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre, the work's world premiere. Though playing the Hayes, Purpose is not a Second Stage production.
Get your own copy of the official opening night Purpose Playbill at The Playbill Store.
The ensemble cast includes 2024 Tony winner Kara Young (Purlie Victorious), new to the production's Broadway premiere, as Aziza Houston. Also new for this go-around is LaTanya Richardson Jackson as Claudine Jasper, together with Young joining returning cast members Harry Lennix as Solomon "Sonny" Jasper, Jon Michael Hill as Nazareth "Naz" Jasper, Glenn Davis as Solomon "Junior" Jasper, and Alana Arenas as Morgan Jasper. Understudies Petronia Paley, Esau Pritchett, Chris Myers, and Sojourner Brown round out the company. Casting is by Calleri Jensen Davis, with original casting by JC Clementz.
Here's why Playbill thinks you should see the show.
Rashad is reprising her work at the production's helm after staging the Chicago world premiere, and has reassembled her creative team for the Broadway bow. Scenic design is by Todd Rosenthal, with costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen. Hair and wig design are by Tony honoree Nikiya Mathis, and Tiffany N. Robinson serves as production stage manager with general management by 321 Theatrical Management.
Visit PurposeOnBroadway.com.
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